Ford Unveils Slicker, Sleeker 2014 Transit Connect

• Ford unveils its new generation of Transit commercial vehicles, developed on all-new global platforms for sale in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets

• Tough, functional and professional, the all-new Ford Transit brings a new level of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market; it replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit in Europe and worldwide markets, and replaces the E-Series in North America

Developed under its "One Ford" global product strategy in Europe, the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect models will be sold in Europe, North America and other worldwide markets, with product ranges tailored to the needs of customers in each region.

"These new products will carry more, work harder, last longer, and cost our customers less to operate – just as Ford Transits have done for 47 years," said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. "The unprecedented launch of two all-new Transit models will extend Ford's leadership in serving commercial vehicle customers around the world."

The introduction of the new generation Transit and Transit Connect models is a major step in Ford's commitment to completely redesign its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe by the end of 2013.

Using the latest global platforms, the two models highlight Ford's new approach to delivering the next generation of class-leading commercial vehicles to meet the needs of customers in all worldwide markets.

The new range builds on almost 50 years of experience in creating market-leading commercial vans and was engineered at Ford's Centre of Excellence for commercial vehicles in Europe; applying global product development resources.

The all-new Ford Transit replaces the heavier two-tonne Transit derivatives in Europe and other worldwide markets, and will eventually replace the popular Ford E-Series range in North America. Tough, functional and professional, new Transit brings new levels of capability and versatility to the medium commercial van market.

Offering a comprehensive range of body styles and derivatives, with multiple wheelbases, roof heights and new chassis cowl versions, all-new and more capable Transit is tailored to the needs of key worldwide markets.

For Europe, a full range of Transit bodystyles and derivatives, offering front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, will be powered by the latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel.

In North America, customers can choose from several engines, including the proven 3.5-litre EcoBoost or a powerful diesel option; each features rear-wheel drive and at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a comparable E-Series. Multiple roof heights and wheelbases will be available. North American Transit vans will be manufactured in Kansas City, alongside the Ford F-150.

The stylish all-new Ford Transit Connect will deliver new standards for the sub-one-tonne segment for load-carrying ability, cost of ownership and dependability.

Available in a choice of short and long wheelbase versions, the new Transit Connect will offer European and North American customers the most flexible and functional loadbox in the segment, with a host of innovative features to enhance everyday productivity.

Transit Connect features the latest low-CO2 powertrain technologies to deliver best-in-class fuel economy in all of its target markets. In Europe, the engine line-up will include highly-efficient downsized diesel and petrol engines, while the U.S. market will benefit from a tailored range of gasoline powertrains.

The new model has a stylish cockpit with car-like design and craftsmanship, and offers the latest Ford interior technologies and driver assistance features.

The Ford Transit brand has established a legendary reputation for toughness and dependability, and the new global Transit products have been engineered to extend that tradition. Both the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect have been subjected to Ford's ultra-stringent commercial vehicle testing and durability standards, covering millions of miles of arduous testing in laboratories, at proving grounds and on customer fleets.

"Our new global Ford Transit products will be totally fit for purpose," said Samardzich. "These are the strongest, most capable and most efficient commercial vans we have ever built – this is the start of a new chapter in the Transit success story."

In Europe, deliveries of the all-new Transit and Transit Connect are due to start by the end of 2013.

The two new global models join the Transit Custom in Ford's renewed commercial vehicle line-up for Europe. Targeting the one-tonne market, the all-new Transit Custom is now on sale across European markets. It will not be introduced in North America but will be launched in other selected other global markets later.

No Transit Connect Diesel engines for the US.
Probably only n/a and Ecoboosts.

Most businesses would be hard-pressed to justify a diesel in this class and type of vehicle. It's a significantly higher purchase price. Many fleet managers prefer to prioritize low purchase price over lower running costs.

IPRO Meat-Director and High Minister of Terror-Grilling

Originally Posted by Marshmallow Man

The Terror Grill: Part restaurant, part amusement attraction, part gladiator arena, all profit.

Too bad we aren't getting the diesel AWD drivetrains they are getting in Europe.

The T-series vans based on the Transit, which we will also get, will offer a diesel and maybe AWD, but maybe not together. The Transit Connect, which is small and Focus-based, won't offer anything but FWD and four cylinders.

IPRO Meat-Director and High Minister of Terror-Grilling

Originally Posted by Marshmallow Man

The Terror Grill: Part restaurant, part amusement attraction, part gladiator arena, all profit.

I guess no one got my humor. Basically they have one design, keep it like that for a year, then turn the tables to a fresh new design. Not like a 2002 civic and a 2005 civic where they just change the lights and grille type thing.

On that notw, Ford has done like Hyundai and did a comple 180 On their design in comparison to previous generation models: ex would be 2009 Fusion to 2010 Fusion or 2010 Sonata to 2011 Sonata. Completely different look

I guess no one got my humor. Basically they have one design, keep it like that for a year, then turn the tables to a fresh new design. Not like a 2002 civic and a 2005 civic where they just change the lights and grille type thing.

On that notw, Ford has done like Hyundai and did a comple 180 On their design in comparison to previous generation models: ex would be 2009 Fusion to 2010 Fusion or 2010 Sonata to 2011 Sonata. Completely different look

We considered a Ford Transit Connect while looking at minivans, but the four-sped automatic killed it. Hopefully they'll put in a five- or six-speed transmission of some kind, preferably both manual and automatic.

I guess the 360 thing didn't bother me. I get memos at work where we're told to do a 360 review of a software product or something. They're saying "look all around it", like all 360 degrees. When I read a 360 degree design change, I read that to mean the whole thing was updated, not just a nose job. I believe we saw something like that with the Econoline, where the nose was updated but the rest of the van was left alone.

I really really like this new TC, the Transit however, I'm not too huge of a fan of, but seeing how well the Sprinter is selling I'm guessing there's a huge market just opening for these vans in NA.

Also I hope that by "powerful diesel option" they don't mean some 7.0L Powerstroke..The Sprinter does fine with the Bluetec as its ONLY option (It is the only option, no?) so I see no problem with a similar engine in the Transit.